The Ideal Sportster?

[@scootfreeordie]

Lot of people build sportsters into touring bikes because of the engine. It's still a push rod engine. No valves to shim for clearance after 10k miles. No cam tensioners to replace like the twin came bikes. It just runs, it's the most reliable bike harley makes. Make fun of them all you like, it's the best Harley made today. Simple, reliable and fast. At least they can be made to be fast.

[@MattFellowswasHere]

You speak the truth brother!!

[@02donph]

Amen....

[@Robert_Browne]

Absolutely. If you want a new Harley, buy a Sportster. If you want a bigger engine, buy anything previous to 1998.

[@decadantdog4444]

I have almost 35,000 miles on a 2014 model 48.

[@Legendairy_Angel94]

Make sportsters great again

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Very very nice sir! You made your sportster very unique and practical. When i turned 19 i bought a brand new XL883 sportster as boswels harley davidson in nashville tn. I rode that thing for 10 years and never had the slightest trouble with it. My dad made harley jokes when i bought it but the jokes stopped after awhile. It never even had a dealer service. I changed oil, fluids, tires, brakes, when needed and thats it. I ended up selling it in 2013 after a back surgery. I never was able to get comfortable on it again. Now im riding a 2002 dyna wide glide with the carbureted 88 engine. I hope it turns out to be half the bike my sportster was as i judge all bikes by my sportster. People can make all the jokes they want but my first harley was a huge success and impeckably reliable. So far my 2 years with my first big twin have went well too. It starts on first crank and runs like a champ. Sorry for long post but your nice sportster stirred up some great memories. I wish i could afford another 883 to park alongside my wide glide

[@navjotsingh6320]

JohnnyRebKy that's awesome! Good to know Sportster last long if you take care of them; I'm 20 and finally made enough to get my first Harley this year it's a 93 XL883 and I love it

[@RicardoCavalli]

JohnnyRebKy please don´t apologize for your long post, it was great to read it! Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories on this awesome ameican bike! Take care God bless you.

[@doublewayne1089]

wow really you love him right what a goober

[@wiseguyproductions6861]

I agree with you on the mid controls. I have the roadster which came with mid controls. I don't care too much for the forward controls. Better control and ride position with mid controls for sure.

[@darrellmount7020]

Can't say enough for Mid Controls and the way it enhances handling, much safer, you can stand up and control the bike much better( like a dirt bike), you done a nice job and one that makes more sense than others I've seen.

[@boomerguy9935]

YES! I have a herniated disc in my lower back which presses on my sciatic nerve. I can't ride with forward controls for more than 15 minutes because they force me into a slouch. Remember the teacher or your mom saying not to slouch, to keep the arch in the back when you sit straight up? There's a reason for that. I can ride my XL883 Sporty standard all day long with no back problems at all. Also, if you have ever snow-skied, you know the physics of keeping your knees over your feet and your shoulders forward for better handling. Watch the racing skiers go through the slaloms and compare their body position to the racing motorcycle riders. Same thing. I've been riding motorcycles since the early 1960's and I've owned bikes with controls slightly to the rear, mid and forward. I speak from experience. Mid-controls forever!!!!!

[@tpitman]

Nice. I've got an 883 I bought slightly used in 1987. Got over 97000 miles on it. Also got an '09 Low Rider for the longer rides, but the Sportster has been some of the best money I ever spent. $3500, then $400 for my trade. Hasn't seen the inside of a dealer or shop since 1988, and then I made 'em give me my money back. Easy to work on.

[@boomerguy9935]

Love the mid-controls! Fortunately, H-D still offers mid and forward controls for those of us who want a choice. I'm my case, it's a choice that I need because of my bad back. I have a herniated disc in my lower back that pinches my sciatic nerve when I slouch. That means I can't ride forward controls more than 20 to 30 minutes before my lower back aches, my right leg goes numb and then I'm completely out of service for weeks. With mid-controls, I can ride hundreds of miles a day, day after day, with no problems. Besides that, the physics of your body weight on mid-controls gives far superior handling when you're in the twisties. The body position mimics a slalom snow-skier, just like a racer on a crotch-rocket. Better comfort and better handling. Perfect. I'm 70 years old and I've owned or ridden every body style out there. My current Sporty with the standard position is the most comfortable bike I've owned in well over 50 years.

[@wacobob56dad]

Best Sportster was the 2008 1200 Roadster. Only year for 4.5 tank, triple disc brakes,mag wheels, drag bars, two up seating, tach, blacked out engine.

[@genegoodwin8925]

That is one fine looking Sportster, love the mods you made to it and glad you left the baffles in, she sounds great, too!

[@lornesargent8462]

Very nice clean Sportster, the saddlebags really change the look GREAT WORK!!!!

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

VERY sharp! Usually not a fan of that style of tank and bars...but yours really looks sharp! Would not be ashamed to throw a leg over that one at all! Great job!!

[@cicada5001]

Mine's an 06 Dragonfly Green with Progressive fronts and 13 1/2" rears. No bottoming anymore. A major change was a larger front cog, like having a sixth gear. Easy cruising.

[@insidethecomputer]

The short shots sound sweet! Want them for my 98, but they don't make them anymore. I like the laced front wheel too. Nice bike, I got a Sporty just because you can accessorize them so much.

[@mikedougherty8572]

Indeed a nice setup. A few observations: 1. If you get an oil temperature gauge like that, you might find yourself wanting an oil cooler if you don't like some of the temperatures you get. If so, the HD one for the Sportster has no thermostat (despite what the catalog says), but you can get a couple of byapasses from Jagg: manual and thermostatic. I got the manual one but in the future would choose the other. 2. I note how you did the breather. I would think you'd get a bit of oil drip on a long ride, but different Sportsters act differently on that. 3. That luggage sure looks sweet, but all that internal stuff would make it hard to pack with a liner bag, I would think. Maybe that's just the price you pay for having solid, locking side luggage. 4. I would think those bars would make highway touring a bit tough unless you have a windshield. (I personally get too much buffeting from a windshield so I keep my hands lower, and the gauges--I added a tach so I have two gauges--offer some wind protection.) All in all very tastefully executed. It looks like a fun bike to ride.

[@cambrown2784]

Its a lovely bike. Not my particular style so my sporty won't wind up looking like that. But that's the great part about HD!

[@gerritteunissen]

I have a very similar colour Sportster 883 custom. I think you did a great job in making the few changes. It makes the bike look so much more impressive. Happy riding!!

[@swickstrum]

Looks great man, great job! I am slowly building my ideal sportster, no where near where you're at yet, but watching this got me motivated again!

[@bearskin3232]

I have a 1200, but like the other review, you can't take anything away from the 883 and the short shots definitely give it a good sound. Customization was done wisely and gives the bike a very esthetically pleasing look. Ready for the long trip.

[@geraldscott9446]

You did a nice job. Glad to see you didn't put skulls all over it. I bought an '06 Sportster 1200 Low a while back, and the PO had put about a zillion skulls all over it. Even the seat bolt and valve stem caps. I was able to get most of them off, but I had to replace the gas cap, derby cover, timing cover, mirrors, and get a new medallion for the backrest. Yep, he put a skull emblem on that too. Your bike looks and sounds great, the only thing I have an issue with is the wire spoke wheels. They look great, but when you have a flat out on the road, it is impossible to repair. I like cast wheels and tubeless tires

[@310PPU]

nice ride ...got a 05 sporty ..white pearl...love it ..have many of those mods ..just a kyryukan cleaner ...full boar slip-ons. ...carb re jetted ..1250 kit in the mail

[@wapartist]

Like the temp gauge and that hot rod style breather!

[@Quepasaaqui718]

Love the sportster it’s what got me into Harley, my first one was an 883 (2002) loved it

[@jojojeep1]

made a nice little bike to take a trip on , really nice , I have a softail, by always had a soft spot for the iron head.

[@edmorganjr.3604]

That is an Evo aka the blockhead. The iron head was out in 86.

[@gorillahd9247]

Very nice bike. It is well thought out and is sharp enough to turn heads. Scott

[@evillarrealjr7754]

Great job......have a 2004 myself and wanted to modify it as well starting with pipes. Awesome!!

[@DavidREllisAZ]

I bought a 05 custom sporty new, had it 8 yrs, sports are great bikes, will have to get another one, let's see what the 60 th looks like, your bike looks so cool, have fun mate.

[@nickferdinande1646]

Such a beautiful bike. I've never rode before but looking at the Iron.

[@alleyboi]

You have an awesome sportster! I have the same model and I am so inspired to mod it like yours. Yours look like a good nice tourer without being too huge. Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

[@djangor4969]

Beautiful bike, nice sound, good looker.I like all the modifications youve made. This ones a keeper.

[@rickpadilla9093]

It is sweet, not all to my taste, but, hey - to each his own

[@mackdiesel6437]

Sweet sportster, there awesome bikes. And that blue color is looking real good.

[@salvatorepatterson5611]

The rpms are too low at an idle but it is a beautiful scoot,

[@jymebale5545]

You say the rpms are too low, don't think they are, the old 70's Harley's used to sound just like that, most were supposed to be right at 950 or 900, mine was, took for ever to get it there but everything wasn't set right, if he had the plane open pipes it'd sound better, mine and other's then sure were loud and you could hear us blocks away.

[@MrCheco301]

Beautiful sound!.....perfect!

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

Jyme Bale - they may sound better when they idle that low, but your oilpump doesn’t build up any pressure at this rpm and so you destroy your engine in a long term (2-3years). The next thing is the throttle response - you will always have a hick up when accelerating... Every EVO-Sporty should idle around 1100rpm - equal if rigid or rubber mount. Ironheads may get down to 950 which make them sound closer to a big twin.

[@TheMakarov9]

Very nice. I have the short shots on my Sportster as well, its amazing how much weight is removed with the stock exhaust and brackets gone. Those saddlebags look fantastic.

[@alandtami]

Fantastic job on your sportster. They look better with the passenger seat, sissy bar and bags. I'm doing the same to my 883

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

May be your "ideal sportster" ain't mine that's for sure. Way to much shiny stuff, I want sleek, black, I want to fly by you and you never even seen me. Great looking bike. SPORTSTER4LIFE ☘️

[@tonibeitlich9948]

Very nice sportster. It sounds and look very good.👍

[@scottreaman5637]

Nice bike dude I want a 1200C with the same bags the only difference i would do is a windshield.

[@TheChuck1960]

I'm a road king rider, but I have to say that is about the nicest sportster I have ever seen, good job.

[@patrickmaloney8717]

Thanks. Got some ideas for my 2006 883 xl custom.

[@vstromfjr]

Great looking and sounding bike. You have excellent taste in bike mods.

[@djdohanyos7396]

Great video. I have a 2005 883 Custom. I really like the bike.

[@wbsims2996]

Beautiful Bike, love the color. Nice setup.

[@bearskin3232]

Nice sound from those V/H shorts, especially when it's warmed up. I like the 1200's, but can't take anything away from the 883 sound. Good attitude about customizing your ride the way you want to. Sundowner seat and progressive shocks - good move. Very clean and happy motorcycle.

[@maxgyver75]

I've got the same one (a 2004 Sportster 883C) in France with (in a few days) the same exhaust pipes!

[@michesgqlledobbiln8928]

That's a nice bike! Needs a windshield for the bugs and rain. But it is a beautiful bike.

[@ibadi45]

Congratulations! You have a very beautiful bike.

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

Love the side shots exhaust, camera does not do justice.

[@InsanityHere]

I would need a separate tach gauge even though I know the speedo has it digitally built-in, just to round out the look of your beautiful bike.

[@SteveB-hy2ci]

You can stand up and look around with the center controls

[@se7encureton]

I like it man I like it a lot it’s sick. I just got a 08 1200 and I’d love to do something like it.

[@DanielTPeace]

Really like what you have done with the bike over the years. Do you still have this bike, if you do can you give us an update?

[@cnkilts]

You have made some sweet changes to the bike. Thanks for the ideas.

[@Real_Richmond_510]

Looks nice man! I honestly like my thunderheader best over the short shots on my 1200 but to each their own. You got your self a good looking bagster! (BAGGER+SPORTSTER =BAGSTER)

[@Fausto_4841]

I agree. I had V&H straight shots, pretty similar to the short shots on my 03 883C, but put the thunderheader on at the same time as a 1250cc top end. I wish i could have ridden the thunderheader while it was an 883 so i could have a better comparison between drag pipes and a 2-1. Still, after the upgrade it's like a whole new bike. Different throttle and power curve for sure, more torque down low and still plenty of top end. All around faster, but killed my fuel economy. To be fair, it could be my wrist that's killing my mpg, the way you ride a sporty really makes a difference on MPG.

[@Real_Richmond_510]

@@Fausto_4841 it's always in the wrist..... same problem I have.

[@MrTadreis1]

That's a beautiful bike and nicely introduced. Thks, Food for thought!

[@jameskaufman4065]

Very nice. I'm looking at 2015 883 low, the Harley bags and mounts, where did you get them and how much?

[@Remi54596]

Very nice brotha

[@jimpapay2895]

Very nice, I like the mid controls too!

[@susanhester331]

Really like your bike! Very nicely done! Which handle bars do you have? I just picked up the same bags and changed my mids to further forward mids. So much more comfortable. Love the V&H Short shots and A/C. My bike is a 2014 883L so I'm EFI. I'll be changing out the A/C and pipes. Thanks for showing the layback plate signal relocation and the oil temp dipstick. Theses are on my list now. Great job!

[@junixsk8]

If you still have the bike, what are those bags, and how did you mount them? Special mount or that's a Harley mount? Beautiful bike by the way!

[@ghostryder94]

I like every single mod you have made. Then only thing weird to me is, why an 883? Why not a 1200?

[@750tblack]

I bet he does a 1200 or 1250 conversion next.But an 883 is fine really.I have one and I'm not a newbie,its not a powerhouse but gets the job done

[@TyOn2Wheelz]

+Terry Wall 883 Converted Will Smoke A 1200 From The Take Of Due To Gearing .

[@paulracechevys9144]

Your bike looks great. I have a 2007 883 same color as yours. What fuel tank is that on yours? I just have the small peanut tank. I like the look of the bigger tank. And where did you get the rear shocks and what brand are they?. Keep up the great work

[@Joetribuzzoavonohio]

I have a sportster because i like low clean and fast, put drag bars on it lowered it and put a low profile seat on it.. Why didnt you just buy a bagger if you dont like the sportster? seems like a lot of work and money to do all that.. not trying to be rude i just was curious

[@moto_story77]

I was thinkin the same thing.

[@delo1960]

I agree....not a bagger. Its a nice bike but it stripping all the stock parts off takes away from what the bike is designed to be.

[@Robert_Browne]

The sportster custom is meant for doing what he's done.

[@dheller777]

Nice looking Sportster. You did a good jog on customizing it. Hopefully my next bike will be a Sportsterbor a Victory Hammer.

[@Vanrocco66]

Nice bike. You did some nice things to it. .. Mine used to look like that!

[@QU13TMAN]

Really nice lookin scoot.. I love the mid controls also. I feel much more in control with the mids. Lookin good!

[@Omarraja2]

Very nice bike , is progressive suspension make riding more softer ? My sportster always hurting my back on hump !

[@jhowej3]

Nice Sportster. Ride Safe and Have Fun.

[@lucabrasi6099]

Looks awesome I'm looking to buy one of these bikes.

[@philo2808]

Great lookin sporty, u didnt over do it. Very good taste.

[@dakidsbac777]

Those turn signals relocation kit WHERE did u get them? Ones I see are low, I want those, high ones next to headlight

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

I like the older style short shots tho. Again, too much chrome for me. I don't want to glimmer off the sun from every angle, I just can't do it. I'm looking for a 20' sporty iron tank if you know of anything, most harley guys I've talked to haven't anything, makes me wonder if they are truly "harley" guys, if NO one can't find me a sporty tank, a used, 3.2 sporty tank, NO one even has a line on one. Crazy

[@billenos5595]

Just bought 2006 XL1200 SportsterC. Really like what you have done with your 883. Can you guide me on the tail light cover, oil temp gauge, saddle bags, progressive spring shocks and relocater kits mfg's? Did google w/o success...Bill in SC

[@ziggyzbeak]

Very nice I like everything but the sound I think stock pipes sound better.

[@jamesmueller1921]

I want your rear bags .. I just got got my first HD .. '06 1200 low ,,, same bars as yours, mid controls ,, S&S carb ,, all kinds of "screamin' eagle" performance parts, inside and out ( exhaust ) belt drive is so smooth .. I have friends with road kings and other big cruisers . when it comes to raw power, they like my ride, just fine.. and my 2 most favorite harley colors ,,, shiny black and shiny chrome, even side cases, chrome.. and of course that famous harley sound ... still nothing like it. I remember for decades the 1200 WAS the big motor... so all those old school guys rode girly bikes??? i don't think so ... for a little dude it fits me just right, when your balls are 30 inches from the ground you need a lowrider bike LOL

[@joep9967]

No!...I LIKE spokes....great job. One of the best Ive seen.

[@chrisclark4010]

Can you tell me more about your license plate bracket and turn signal relocation in the rear of your sportster I must do the same thing to my bike for larger saddlebags

[@dhfarmins]

That is one fine looking Sportster. They are versatile machines, and can look good in many configurations. You set this one up very well, most of the changes have a function as well as looking good. It's obvious it's to be ridden, not just for looks or bar-hopping. I agree with you on the mid-controls, I've gotten used to the forwards but just prefer having the foot-pegs under me and am going to do the conversion soon. What did you use to cover the mounting points from the forwards?

[@InsanityHere]

sweet looking blue bike.

[@mikecianelli9144]

Where did ya get the mid-controls ??? Been wanting to do the same to 07 Sporty. Did ya have to tune it ? what tuner did ya use?

[@jerrybigrig9475]

How well does that rocker breather work...does it eventually leak oil..??

[@cernyvasa]

Beautiful Sportster

[@ozzpwg]

Very nice job, killer sporty! What are the saddlebags off of? They look so much better then the stock ones!

[@marlboro1632]

you have nice taste. good job ....sounds a little to loud... you wouldn't think about moving the rear brake arm back.... but it looks better then forward and better access to it.... good move I'm doing the same...where did you get that mini sissy bar????.....risen

[@johnbaynes8370]

SADDLEBAGS, WHAT ABOUT THE WATER LEAKING IN FROM THE LOCK AND INSIDE TOP COVER. I'm changing mine over to Mustang bags and seat. HD quality has gone way down on extras. My 2014, XL883L runs great but the extras leave a lot to be desired. Over priced and cheap quality.

[@jonathanblas7477]

awesome sportster..just wondering if you dyno tune that?and where did you buy the handle bar...pretty nice looking bike..i've watched this 14x already..i have my 2013 sportster super low..i wanna make my handle bar like that...please give me an idea...thanks.

[@pricetag30]

Humm your engine noise is so much louder than my 2014 883.All I hear is nice deep exhaust from the twin slash slipons.

[@dansvlogtrucking]

Holy crap! How many loose bolts are on that exhaust system?

[@efrainguzman6143]

Nice job what kit did you use for your turn signal light, brand and part # and where did you buy it ?

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Looks great man! Do you still have it?

[@bigmac869]

Where did you get the saddle bags? I'm looking for some for 14 1200t superlow

[@fshbon77]

What brand and make are those handle bars? They look great!!!

[@aaron691971]

Clean looking ride, is that a stock tank? I have a 2000 custom and the only tanks keep coming across are peanut tanks. I like yours, no empty space. Good job.

[@markd2857]

nice harley! Going to do some similar things to my 2012 Sportster Custom

[@huwleonard2775]

Hi, can you tell which handle bars you used and did you use a complete kit for the cables etc. Great looking Sportster... Thanks and greetings from Sweden

[@terryandteresa]

Very nicely done!!

[@EngineeringGoneWrong]

Nice bike. What fork oil did you put in as well as what springs. I am running 15wt on stock springs and 1in spacer and it is pretty good, but when the stockers wear out I think im gonna get progressive brand springs

[@delallum5654]

Beautiful!

[@Rstarfari]

hey, man that's a very, very cool ride, i'm buying some saddlebags for mine, but how much approx was the relocation kit for the tail lights?

[@LeeTDonoghue]

Beautiful harley dude!!!

[@nilknarf1596]

ok the bars, what did you have to change to run them that high, did you look at replacing the custom's riser ?

[@brianminkc]

Front progressives? You mean fork springs or what?

[@rogersgjuk2]

tastefully done. congratulations!